Armadillos are among the more unusual critters that SC pest control experts handle in the Hilton Head area. These mammals keep busy foraging for food when the temperature is mild, but what happens to them once winter and colder weather arrives? Find out more about armadillos, including whether or not they hibernate in winter as some other mammals do.
Winter Weather
Armadillos are active when outdoor temperatures fall within the right range. When it’s too hot out in summer, such as when it’s over 85 degrees, they stay in their burrows where it’s cooler. When it’s too cold out, they remain in their burrows for warmth. You might see armadillos around in winter when the temperature is at its warmest, which is usually in the afternoon. During summer, you’re more likely to see them out at night when it’s cooler out for them.
Armadillos can stay sheltered in their burrows during winter for a certain amount of time. However, they aren’t able to build up body fat or store their food, so they have to venture out at some point. This puts them at risk of freezing, but staying in their burrow would put them at risk of starving.
Overall, they stay inside their burrow around 65 percent of the time during winter and around 29 percent of the time during summer. You’re more likely to need SC pest control to remove them in summer, since they spend more time digging up gardens and yards for food.
Armadillo Movement and Behavior
When you see armadillos wandering around the Hilton Head area, their movements might look odd. These mammals tend to walk around slowly in a random or erratic way. While they wander around, they look for insects and other food sources to fill up on.
During their foraging, you might notice them pause and suddenly stand on their hind legs while sniffing. This can happen if they sense a predator nearby. Armadillos can’t see well, but they do have an excellent sense of smell. Animals that prey on them include coyotes, foxes, raccoons and bobcats.
Armadillos can climb, which comes in handy when they need to get over fences. However, they typically don’t climb up trees. Instead, they strip away the bark to feed on it. When they come across a stream or other body of water, they’re able to get through it to the other side easily. They can get across bodies of water by either paddling or walking along the bottom and holding their breath.
Armadillo Habitats
Where are you likely to find armadillos? These mammals can build their burrows in numerous places. When they dig burrows in your yard, you might end up needing help from SC pest control professionals in order to remove them. Their burrows can be deep and extensive, which can damage your yard.
Armadillos are also known to build burrows in salt marshes, sand dunes, pine forests and grassy areas. They can also dig burrows in man-made areas, such as golf courses, cemeteries and parks.
Keep in mind that these animals don’t always build burrows. Some armadillos gather dry grass to make their nests, which typically occurs in areas with wetter soil. If you do have armadillo burrows on your property, it can be hard to find them. These mammals hide their entrances with logs or piles of vegetation, which helps protect their young from predators.
In some cases, though, they have been known to share their burrows with other animals that aren’t a threat to them, such as rabbits. When they abandon their burrows, other critters sometimes move into them, including snakes, skunks and burrowing owls.
If you have armadillos digging up your yard or causing other problems for you, contact Island Pest Control. Our team of highly qualified and skilled technicians provides SC pest control services that include armadillo removal.
